What You Can Do About Mercury
There are many convenient, inexpensive, and important things that consumers can do to prevent mercury from contaminating our children and our lakes, rivers, fish and wildlife. First and foremost, do not buy products that contain mercury. Second, mercury is released when coal is burned to make energy. Reducing our energy consumption will help reduce mercury pollution.
FIVE EASY THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP PREVENT MERCURY POLLUTION
1. Buy Mercury-Free
Choose products that do not contain mercury. Look for digital thermometers (easier to read), electronic thermostats (they save money and energy).
Ask your dentist if mercury-free composites are appropriate for you.
Ask your local pharmacy or hardware store to consider phasing-out the sale of mercury products.
2. Discard Mercury Products Safely
Separate mercury-containing products like thermometers, thermostats, old paint and batteries from regular garbage.
Take the mercury products to your local household hazardous waste depot.
Contact the manufacturer to see if they will take-back the product.

3. Conserve Energy
Turn your heat and air conditioning back, to use less energy.
Use a programmable, digital thermostat to reduce energy usage at night and when away from home.
Purchase only high efficiency products, i.e. appliances.
Ensure your home is well-sealed and well-insulated.

4. Avoid Exposure to Mercury at Home, School and Work
Never play with liquid mercury.
Do not vacuum liquid mercury spills.
Notify your employer or school official if you see stored or spilled mercury.

5. Be Aware of Mercury in Fish
Continue to eat fish, but follow health guidelines.
Pregnant women and children should avoid frequent meals of large ocean predator fish (tuna, shark, swordfish) and limit consumption of freshwater fish.
Know your local fish advisory guides and follow the guidelines.

Contact Information



Sport Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program,
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
(800) 820-2716
Email: sportfish@ene.gov.on.ca
Web site: 2001-2002 Guide to Eating Ontario Sports Fish

Toronto Household Hazardous Waste Depot
416-392-4330